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What does Ted Cruz's 'come and take it' mask mean? Internet says after Cancun trip it 'must mean his job'

People were initially skeptical whether it was Ted Cruz traveling to Cancun, but soon they were convinced it was the senator, thanks to his unique mask

Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is on the wrong side of the internet today as reports have started doing the rounds that he is "fleeing Texas" amid the state's ongoing power outage. Millions of people in the Lone Star state are suffering due to power cuts following the winter storm.

While Cruz initially tweeted, "A blizzard strikes Texas & our state shuts down," Twitter is now teeming with talk of him fleeing the state during this time of crisis. What is particularly notable is that he seems to be wearing the same that he wore during President Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony. How can one say that for sure? The mask reads: 'Come and Take It'. Now, social media users are trying to figure out the meaning behind the mask. 

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When photos of a masked man resembling Cruz boarding a flight started going viral on social media, at first many were skeptical of whether it was the senator. But soon people agreed that it indeed was Cruz. Users took to social media to express their disbelief. "Well Senator Cruz is flying to Cancun while millions of Texans do not have electricity #Priorities #ThanksforNothingSenator @ProjectLincoln @keithedwards @shannonrwatts," Twitter user Juan Gomez tweeted. 

"Ok, at first I didn't think this was ted cruz, but this person has the same mask as the senator. Did Ted Cruz fly to Cancun today during his state's emergency?" Users also pointed out that his wife Heidi Cruz was also accompanying him. "Ted Cruz & @heidiscruz boarding a flight to Cancun, while millions of Texans are freezing and without power," a user tweeted. 

The mask became a particular talking point after the initial shock wore off as social media users tried to decipher the meaning behind it. Many suggested that after his supposed Cancun travel plans, it could only mean 'come and take his job' as he might get fired after the way he handled the crisis. "Sen. Ted Cruz likes his “Come and Take” mask so much that he wore it to the inauguration and on the plane to Cancun. He must mean his job..." Twitter user Shannon Watts shared alongside two photos of Cruz sporting the mask, one on the flight and the other during the inauguration ceremony. 

The mask became a subject of discussion when Cruz wore it to the inauguration as if sending a "strong message" amid promises of new policies for gun control. Even its history rooted in the Texas Revolution in 1835 was a fact that upset people. 

"Hey Ted, how would you know?? You’re in Cancun. Your Unbelievable lack of leadership is unconscionable. Your mask says Come and Take it. Did you mean your job?? Because the cold, tired and pissed of Texans are NOT going to forget this and that’s what they are going to do," one tweeted. "When @tedcruz wears his come and take it mask does that mean his life?" another user asked. "That was a stupid move on his part. He would have been much harder to identify wearing something generic," one user tweeted. "not to mention, he's wearing his insidious "come and take it" pro-insurgence mask. it really doesn't get slimier than ted cruz," another added.

The fact that he wore a mask at all was surprising for many. "Ted Cruz, who mocked renewables, California's "failed energy policies" and the CDC advisory on masks while travelling, is masking up to flee the state he represented for a decade as millions of Texans is without electricity during a winter storm since the gas froze. #YesHeCancun."

Many even pointed out that Cruz, who is reportedly seen without a mask, decided to wear a mask not for health purposes but because he wanted to hide his face. "Breaking* Ted Cruz has left for Cancun. Let them eat icicles. BTW he wore a mask while “spotted at the airport”. My contention is not for health and safety, rather to reduce being “spotted at the airport”. Epic fails all around. I hope his opponent is editing the ad as we speak," one said. "Funny how he wears his mask this time. To be sure people won’t recognize him. What a fucking coward!!!!!" Another user took a jab at him, "Honestly more surprised to see @tedcruz in a mask in public than I am to see him flying to Cancun during a huge and life threatening state emergency".

Austin Energy, the utility that serves the state’s capital, says its customers should be prepared not to have power through Wednesday and maybe even longer. 

Cruz was earlier getting slammed on social media after an old tweet resurfaced where he was taking a dig at Democrats when California was experiencing blackouts. “California is now unable to perform even basic functions of civilization, like having reliable electricity,” Cruz had tweeted. "Biden/Harris/AOC want to make CA’s failed energy policy the standard nationwide. Hope you don’t like air conditioning!” he said at the time. 

And now, he said, "I got no defense. A blizzard strikes Texas & our state shuts down. Not good. Stay safe!"